LIVERPOOL'S John Lennon Airport was a sea of red today as the great getaway started.

In the space of just over 24 hours, over 10,000 loyal Liverpool fans will pass through the airport's check in gates before making the four-hour flight to Istanbul for tomorrow night's Champions League clash.

Before midnight today 18 flights, each containing between 180 and 360 fans, will have set off. A further 20 flights will leave tomorrow.

Robin Tudor, corporate affairs manager at the airport, said: "The first flight went out today at 4am, followed by flights at 5.30am and 6.30am and three at 8am. It will go on like that until at least midnight, and there will be at least 5,000 people going through the gates today.

"Tomorrow will be even bigger - with 17 of the 20 flights going out within a two-hour period."

Extra staff have been drafted in. Mr Tudor said: "This is the largest exodus of people we have ever seen at the airport.

"Our priority is to make sure that the extra people do not have an impact on ordinary holidaymakers.

"But it is a really great atmosphere and there is a real mix of people."

Reds supporters were in high spirits as they set off for Turkey.

One cheeky fan even placed a Liverpool hat on top of the statue of John Lennon in the departure lounge.

Gavin Daly, 27, of Runcorn, was flying out to Istanbul to meet his brother and father and said: "All my colleagues are really jealous that I'm going.

"I think the game is going to be great. I'll be back on

Thursday and I hope to be able to go to the victory parade if I'm not too tired."

Aimee Howard, 23, travelling with her fiancee Neil Herbert and his brother Ian, said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm very excited. I think we are in with a good chance of winning and this trip is money well spent." Neil, 27, said: "I think it will be a 3-0 win to the Reds. I'm very excited and I didn't sleep a wink last night."

Phil Knowles, 10, from Kirkby, a pupil at Melling primary school, was flying out with his brothers Liam and Scott, and father Billy.

He said: "I've never been to Istanbul before and all my friends at school are jealous."